The Human Resource Development Advisory Council (HRDAC) is an interim structure to drive the implementation of the National Human Resource Development Strategy (NHRDS).

The approval of this strategy has called for the establishment of the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), Botswana Qualifications Authority (BQA) and the rationalisation of the mandates of Botswana Examination Council (BEC) and other organisations such as the Department of National Internship Programme, Manpower Planning Unit in the Ministry of Finance.

This week Business Editor, Innocent Tshukudu speaks to Abel Modungwa, the HRDC Acting CEO to learn more about the organisation.

What does your role as Acting CEO for the HRDAC) entail?

I am the substantive Chief Executive Officer of the Botswana Training Authority since 2000 but currently I am acting CEO of the Human Resource Development Advisory Council (HRDAC).

I am an Educationalist who is results driven and believes in consultation and quality service to the nation of Botswana. We owe it to ourselves to build the Botswana we desire.

Can you explain your organisation to us?

HRDC will be an independent statutory body established to advise the Minister of Education and Skills Development on all policy matters related to national human resource development.

HRDC will be responsible for the development of a National Human Resource Development Plan and the planning and funding of tertiary education and work place learning.

BQA will also be an independent statutory body established to advise the Minister of Education and Skills Development on all policy matters related to national credit and qualification frameworks.

BQA will undertake a delegated executive responsibility to develop and implement the National Credit and Qualifications Framework.

BQA will also develop and implement a national regulatory system for education and skills development which shall include the core functions of (i) registration and accreditation and (ii) quality assurance.

Botswana Examinations Council will be transformed to assume a new role of a national assessment authority with the additional functions of moderation and assessment of non tertiary vocational education and training, work place learning and indigenous skills programmes

What does it mean for Batswana?

This transition aims to improve the education and training system to address issues of access and equity, quality and relevance.

It seeks to develop an integrated education and training system that articulates between levels from pre-school to higher education and life- long learning.

It will also address issues of work ethics and productivity, reduce unemployment and improve the national human resource global competitiveness.

What progress has been made so far?

The Instructions for drafting of the Bills for the establishment of BQA and HRDC have been submitted to the Attorney General’s Chamber. It is expected that the Bills will be discussed in Parliament sometimes in 2013.

What role should Batswana play in this process in order for them to realise their potential as stipulated by the vision of HRDAC?

The success of the Education and Training System requires direct involvement and participation of all the key stakeholders such as learners, parents, employers, labour movements, professional bodies and government.

Batswana need to take advantage of the improved education and training system to enhance their national and global competitiveness both as a resource and in production of their goods and services.